Whether you are buying a new home or selling your current one, finding the right agent or broker can be the key to a successful real estate experience. Knowing what to look for in a real estate agent can include finding someone who gets you, who listens to your hopes and dreams, and who has great communication. But good chemistry won’t help if they don’t have the skinny on what’s happening in the neighborhood. 

Home values are tied to neighborhoods, so an agent who doesn’t know the ins and outs of the specific location you are interested in is ultimately waving a red flag. Walkability, good schools, and a low crime rate all add real estate value, and any agent worth their salt can point you to relevant information about those factors. While lots of basic neighborhood information is readily available on sites like Greatschools.org and Neighborhoodscout.com – and you can look up home values yourself by scanning recent sales on Redfin and Zillow — what about information that only a neighborhood expert would know? 

An agent who specializes in a particular neighborhood will know all manner of things that could ultimately save you money. For example, they might know about houses coming on the market that aren’t yet listed. A pocket listing – known only to your realtor with local connections — can give you access to a new house without added competition, which can save you thousands. 

For sellers, your agent should demonstrate an understanding of the unique market conditions in your neighborhood, allowing you to appropriately price your home. The more homes they’ve sold in the area, the more they will understand what pricing techniques work, so be sure to ask about their local transaction history. The last thing you want to do is have your house linger on the market — costing you thousands and keeping you from investing in a new property. 

Future development in an area can also impact the value of a home’s location. Your realtor should be in the know about any massive new condo developments planned next door that might drive down a home’s value, or a new employment center or transit stop planned nearby that could make the neighborhood more desirable. An agent with the inside scoop on your desired neighborhood can help you find your dream home in an optimal location that minimizes your costs.

One way to research whether you’ve found a realtor with expertise in your location is to look at their marketing materials and social media. Do your agent’s postings convey a knowledge and appreciation of the neighborhood you’re looking at? Do they articulate an understanding of the key factors when purchasing a home in your neighborhood? Some realtors have profiles on sites like Realtor.com and Zillow that can include information about the neighborhoods they serve. Others may have their own website entirely. 

Online research is important, but you’ll only really get a sense of an agent’s neighborhood savvy by talking to them. When interviewing an agent, ask them questions only a local expert would know such as their favorite local restaurant or the best farmers market.  An agent who is up on local real estate trends will help you make the best long-term investment.